today were safe guarding our nation at pearl harbor, and other military facilities on the island in hawaii. at 7:53 on sunday morning, december 7th. , 1941 without warning a japanese launched a massive air attack against pearl harbor and other military bases on that island. when the attack ended, almost 3,000 americans had lost their lives. a total of 21 ships were demolished. and 188 aircraft were destroyed. most of those aircraft were destroyed before they could become airborne. after the attack, president frack lynn -- franklin roosevelt stated that this day, december 7th is the day which we'll live in infa my. it has. we gather to remember that attack on pearl harbor and honor those who received the blow of that first strike. and also remember and honor all of those who served in world war ii. it's my pleasure today to represent the friends of the national world war ii memorial. an organization that is dedicated to ensuring that we always remember the greatest jen -- generation, and their service, valor and sacrifice. and all those supported on the home front. to achieve this we work c